10/05/2026
WE SAID WHAT WE SAID! So let’s break it down. ➡️
1. We don’t use the terms “alpha” or “pack leader” and there’s a reason for that. 🚫
These ideas come from outdated beliefs about dog behavior and training. Today, we know dogs don’t need to be dominated or reminded who’s in charge.
Instead, we focus on trust, clear communication, and teaching them what we do want them to do, rather than punishing what we don’t want in our life-long relationship with them! 🐶
Real training is about a mutual relationship - one which helps dogs to feel safe, understand what’s being asked, and building confidence along the way. 👍
2. We don’t feed our pets the same meal for every meal. 🚫
Practicing rotational feeding offers your pet-friend (yep, this goes for pretty much every single pet you might own) a variety of appropriately-formulated (or grown!) foods, promoting a healthier gut, a well-rounded nutritional profile, which can help reduce the risk of developing certain food sensitivities, and variety to keep them interested! 😍
Start from a young age and their bellies should handle it like a champ (!), or start slowly with a pet who has been eating the same meal up ‘til now - come on in and ask us how! 🍴
3. We don’t pick up cats (or dogs) who don’t want to be picked up. 🚫
Part of being Fear Free is respecting an animal’s choice - in how they like or want to receive affection (for the love of it all, please don’t let your kids squeeze a pet…it can be a pets’ nightmare or a detriment to the child!), in what food they are fed, in what toys and treats they enjoy most. If a cat doesn’t want to be picked up, we don’t force it, even if it breaks our hearts when they dash off. 🐱
Instead, we give them space, watch their body language, and interact in ways that help them feel safe and in control. Respecting their boundaries builds trust, reduces fear and stress and allows your pet to live their very best life! 💕
4. We don’t ignore our pets’ body language. 🚫
Just as we don’t pick up pets when they don’t want that, we also pay attention to their body language. Pets are constantly communicating with us through their posture, facial expressions, positioning of eyes, ears, tails